Management of Pulmonary Nodules by Community Pulmonologists: A Multicenter Observational Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Pulmonary nodules (PNs) are a common reason for referral to pulmonologists. The majority of data for the evaluation and management of PNs is derived from studies performed in academic medical centers. Little is known about the prevalence and diagnosis of PNs, the use of diagnostic testing, or the management of PNs by community pulmonologists.

Methods

This multicenter observational record review evaluated 377 patients aged 40 to 89 years referred to 18 geographically diverse community pulmonary practices for intermediate PNs (8-20 mm). Study measures included the prevalence of malignancy, procedure/test use, and nodule pretest probability of malignancy as calculated by two previously validated models. The relationship between calculated pretest probability and mana

SUBMITTER: Tanner NT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4665735 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature